's the kind of environment that incubates what might be the next groupon or grubhub. this week, scott case, one of founders of priceline, hosted a forum on what it takes to launch a startup these days. "when you look at startups, try to network for captial for talent and for customers." one of the attendees, jere mcallister, who created a music media magazine for the ipad called "groovebug," just launched an app with iconic jazz label blue note. "we've partnered with other tech companies and they helped open doors for blue note." mcallister is one of more than a hundred entrepreneurs who see america's future in its startups, not necessarily in silicon valley. "we have the capital and supportive environment for these early-stage companies." the startup america partnership was launched last year. it provides startups with access to corporations, investors and services they need to grow. the latest survey of small businesses shows a slight dip in optimism. overall, the index for the national federation of independent businesses dropped 1/10 of a point to 92.8. behind that number, owners plann